Frequently Asked Questions About Cremations

Before cremation can take place, the attending physician or medical examiner must complete and sign the death certificate. All civil and medical authorities must issue all required permits. The next of kin or other authorized person must provide the authorization to cremate. Your funeral provider can assist you through this process to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and authorizations and permits are obtained.

Regulations in many states also require that a certain number of hours transpire after the death occurs (usually 24 to 48 hours). After these conditions are met, the cremation takes place. Afterward, the cremated remains are placed in the urn your family selects.

Yes, there is a wide array of cremation caskets to meet each family's needs. A cremation casket is specially constructed from materials that are environmentally friendly. It looks very much like a burial casket and is appropriate for a visitation or gathering. It is cremated with the decedent. There is also a variety of cremation containers and alternative containers from which your family can choose.

Crematories require that a suitable container be used to shelter and hold your loved one before and during the cremation process. Cremation caskets, cremation containers and alternative containers are available to satisfy this requirement. In some instances, a ceremonial casket may be available for rented use during a visitation, after which an alternative container would be used for the cremation.

Yes, and this is often recommended by grief counselors and families who have experienced a loss. Cremation (like burial) is a separate event from a funeral or memorial service. Selecting cremation does not diminish the important need for some type of gathering that will honor and celebrate the life of your loved one. Your friends and family can come together either before or after the cremation has taken place. Your family may choose to have a visitation prior to cremation or a service with or without your loved one’s cremated remains (ashes) present.

Gatherings of any type (visitations, memorial services, etc.) can be held at your family’s discretion. The gathering is a place and time for your family and friends to come together to celebrate special memories of your loved one and to support each other during your time of loss. Many choose to have a traditional service first, followed by the cremation. Others hold a memorial service at some point before or after the cremation.

A gathering of friends, family and/or clergy provides a meaningful personalized tribute for the person who has died, as well as support for the living. The difference between a memorial service and traditional funeral ceremony is that the casket and deceased are not present at a memorial service and are present at a traditional funeral ceremony. Some families also choose to have memorial services with the urn present and that option is available as well.

During the arrangement conference your family will be asked to select an urn to permanently hold your loved one’s cremated remains. Urns can be crafted from bronze, ceramic, glass, porcelain, wood or other materials. They are made in traditional vase or cube shapes, or they can be unique designs. A variety of urns are available to reflect the hobbies, beliefs or lifestyle of your loved one.

There are many options from which to choose when selecting a final resting place for your loved one’s urn because cremation memorialization can take any number of forms. Many cemeteries have created areas specifically for lasting remembrance. Cremated remains may be permanently memorialized in a columbarium, ground-burial area or specially designed cremation garden. Some families also choose to place portions in miniature keepsake urns or pieces of jewelry and scatter another small portion at a special place. (Please note that it is necessary to check local restrictions on scattering cremated remains both on public and private property.)

Where will your loved one’s—or your own—cremated remains end up 5, 10 or even 50 years from now? Whether you choose to scatter cremated remains or permanently hold them in an urn, it is important to choose a final resting place. This provides your family and friends with a focal point to assist them in remembering the life that was lived.

Where will your loved one’s—or your own—cremated remains end up 5, 10 or even 50 years from now? Whether you choose to scatter cremated remains or permanently hold them in an urn, it is important to choose a final resting place. This provides your family and friends with a focal point to assist them in remembering the life that was lived.

A cremation garden provides a final resting place for your loved one’s cremated remains. It is a designated area of the cemetery that may vary from a simple urn garden to a more elaborate area featuring elegant landscapes, graceful water designs and stunning granite monuments. The space can provide a beautiful and comforting experience for the spirit and the senses. Refreshing plants, trees and other natural botanical details may complement the garden. An array of options including family estates, personalized granite pedestals, niche walls, unique benches, garden columbaria and water features may be available.

There is a wide selection of choices and price ranges for cremation services and merchandise. As with traditional burial, your family will decide how much or how little to spend on a cremation service. If you choose to preplan and prefund your own plans, you can decide what cost is appropriate in advance of the time of need.

Yes — Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.

Uncertainty about income tax issues can add to the stress experienced from the death of a spouse. You should meet with your family attorney and/or tax advisor as soon as possible to review your particular tax and estate circumstances. Bring a detailed list of your questions to the meeting. If you do not have an attorney or tax advisor, call the IRS toll-free at 800-829-1040 for answers to specific tax questions.

Determine if the deceased person qualifies for any entitlements. Check with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and with your State Fund. Many people are entitled to get financial assistance with their funeral costs from these agencies if they qualify.

Review all insurance policies the deceased person has, including life insurance. Some life insurance policies have coverage clauses for funeral related costs.

Find local charities providing financial help for funeral expenses. Search for non profit organizations and for churches in your area.

Talk to your funeral director about cremation options - these can be much less expensive depending on your choices.

Making your final wishes clear, both in advance and at the time of death, is the best way to ensure your final wishes will be met. Complete our Planning and Discussion Guide and discuss your choices with your family. A preplanned and prepaid cremation that locks in services and payment helps ensure your wishes will be followed.